On the arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic
B-10-2025-0334
on behalf of the Renew Group · Rapporteur: Hilde Vautmans, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Lucia Yar
- Voted on · Adopted 617–4–18 · See the decision →
- Full procedure 2025/2797
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A resolution on the arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic demands his immediate and unconditional release and insists on due process.¶¶ It urges the CAR to allow medical evacuation, ensure legal and consular access, and calls on the EU to step up diplomatic efforts.¶¶ It condemns foreign interference targeting humanitarian workers and stresses the need for targeted EU measures if rights violations persist.¶¶
Key points
- Demands the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Martin and insists that any judicial proceedings comply with due process guarantees under the ICCPR and CAR law.¶
- Strongly urges CAR to allow immediate medical evacuation and ensure access to legal representation, consular assistance, and appropriate care.¶
- Expresses grave concern at the prolonged and arbitrary detention and serious risks to his life, health and safety.¶
- Calls on the HR/VP to step up diplomatic efforts with Belgian and Portuguese authorities to secure release and uphold rights.¶
- Stresses that targeting humanitarian workers undermines CAR's development and deters cooperation; urges the EU to strengthen protections for its citizens in fragile contexts.¶
- Condemns increasing politically motivated foreign interference in CAR aimed at discrediting and intimidating humanitarian and civil actors.¶
- Stresses the need for targeted EU measures should CAR authorities persist in violating basic rights.¶
Who is affected
- Joseph Figueira Martin, a Belgian-Portuguese researcher detained in CAR, would be released and receive medical care.¶¶
- CAR authorities are urged to allow medical evacuation and ensure due process.
- EU institutions and member states are called on to intensify diplomatic efforts and protect citizens in fragile contexts.¶¶